In-Circuit Test (ICT) Engineer

In-Circuit Test (ICT) Engineer L2 is a specialized role in the electronics manufacturing and testing domain. It involves working with test systems and equipment to verify the proper functionality of printed circuit boards (PCBs), components, and assemblies. Below is a tailored job description and criteria for an In-Circuit Test Engineer.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Test Development

   - Design, develop, and implement in-circuit test programs to validate PCB assembly manufacturing.

   - Create test fixtures and customize test hardware to suit specific designs from prototypes to production runs.

   - Work with Automated Test Equipment (ATE), such as TRI, Teradyne, Keysight (Agilent), or SPEA systems.

2. Debug and Troubleshooting

   - Identify and resolve issues in test setups and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable functionality.

   - Analyze test failures, troubleshoot issues at the component level (e.g., resistors, ICs, capacitors, transistors), and suggest solutions.

3. Collaboration with Design Teams

   - Collaborate with hardware/design engineers to ensure testability of PCBs during the design stage.

   - Provide feedback to improve manufacturability and test coverage of the circuit boards.

4. Failure Analysis and Reporting

   - Perform root cause analysis on test failures and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

   - Generate reports summarizing defects, test coverage, and quality metrics to provide data-driven insights for manufacturing improvements.

5. Test Equipment Maintenance

   - Calibrate and maintain the ICT equipment for reliability and accuracy.

   - Perform updates to software and hardware in the ICT environment as needed.

6. Continuous Improvement

   - Develop strategies to optimize test coverage and reduce test execution time.

   - Implement test automation processes to improve the efficiency and consistency of testing procedures.

7. Compliance and Standards

   - Ensure that test procedures meet industry standards, company requirements, and certifications such as IPC-A-610 and ISO standards.

   - Validate compliance with design schematics, bills of materials (BOM), and quality assurance processes.

8. Training and Documentation

   - Train technicians and operators on using ICT equipment and test setups effectively.

   - Produce clear and detailed documentation for test methodologies, results, and troubleshooting practices.

Education and/or Experience

3–5 years of experience in testing PCBs, developing ICT programs, and working with ATE systems.

Technical Skills:

1. Core Competencies

   - Strong understanding of electronic components, PCB assembly processes, and circuit design principles.

   - Familiarity with schematics, Gerber files, and PCB layout tools such as Altium, Eagle, or KiCad.

2. Test and Debugging Tools

   - Proficiency with in-circuit test equipment such as TRI, Teradyne, Keysight (Agilent), GenRad, or SPEA testers.

   - Skilled in using multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal/waveform analyzers, soldering stations, and logic analyzers for debugging.

3. Test Programming

   - Experience programming test sequences (often in languages like C, Python, LabVIEW, or proprietary test development environments).

   - Knowledge of boundary scan (JTAG) testing and advanced fault diagnostics is a plus.

4. Automation

   - Understanding of automated manufacturing and the role of ICT in a production line.

   - Experience with test automation and scripting for improving test efficiency.

5. Quality Assurance

   - Familiarity with IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610) for electronics quality and acceptance criteria.

   - Hands-on experience in statistical analysis of data, metrics reporting, and Six Sigma techniques is an advantage.

6. Hardware and Fixture Design

   - Knowledge of designing and developing ICT fixtures, including probe alignment and bed-of-nails testing setups.

   - Understanding fixture mechanics and electrical signal integrity for accurate testing.

Soft Skills:

- Critical thinking: Ability to assess test results, isolate issues, and make efficient decisions.

- Attention to detail: Focus on fine-tuning tools and processes for reliable testing.

- Communication skills: Clear presentation of test results, defect data, and recommended improvements to cross-functional teams.

- Team collaboration: Work effectively with production engineers, quality assurance, and design teams to resolve issues efficiently.

Preferred Certifications:

While not always required, certifications in the following areas can help an ICT Engineer stand out:

- IPC Certification: IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) or IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering Standards).

- Six Sigma Certification: Green Belt or higher in process improvement.

- Test Equipment Training: Vendor-specific certifications for ICT machines, such as Teradyne or Keysight.

Work Environment:

- Primarily factory-centered, working hands-on with test equipment and PCBs.

- May require working extended hours during production ramps or troubleshooting phases.

- Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, production, quality control, and suppliers.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to tolerate moderate to high noise levels in a warehouse environment.  Office and outside environmental conditions found in the warehouse, hot in the summer, cold in the winter.  Individuals may need to walk for an extensive period of time while working and walking the facilities; to reach over shoulder heights; bend or stoop below the waist; repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement; occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.